Basement security bucket

Abstract

The present invention provides an open-topped flood-prevention sump well extension. A cylindrical wall placed around a sump pit extends above the floor level to the proximity of a sewer or septic drain. A connecting pipe automatically drains the overflow attendant to a malfunctioning or overloaded sump pump to the sewer or septic system. A means for preventing backflow of sewer discharge is provided by a one-way valve or a plumbing trap. An alarm system is provided for signaling rising water level.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Priority is claimed to Provisional Application 61 / 055,122, filed May 21, 2008BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The field of the present invention is plumbing. More specifically, the field relates to sump well overflow control.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Basement flooding is a major concern of property owners, especially those living in low-lying areas, such as flood plains. It is common, therefore, to build a sump well with a pump into the basement for the purpose of pumping out water before it can flood the basement.[0006]Commonly, the sump and sump pump assembly consists of a pit extending below the floor level of the basement and a submersible pump that pumps water out of the pit as it collects.[0007]The current systems work in most situations. A problem still exists, however, if a sump pump fails, or if a rising water table overwhelms the capacity of the pump. The sump well becomes an entry p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]A first object of the present invention is to provide a flood prevention system which prevents a basement from flooding when the pump equipment malfunctions, or when the capacity is insufficient for the inflow.

[0014]A second object of the present invention is to provide a flood prevention system which is easy to install, durable and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0015]A third object of the present invention is to provide a flood prevention system that is simple to maintain and to inspect by a homeowner.

[0016]A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a flood prevention system that will alert the homeowner as to malfunctioning pump equipment.

[0017]A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a flood prevention system that prevents backflow of sewage gases and raw sewage from a sewer or septic drain.

[0018]The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an open-topped flood-prevention sump well extension. The device comprises a cylindrical wall effectively extending the sump sidewall from the floor level to above the level of a sewer or septic drain. An opening in the cylindrical wall is used for receiving a pipe. This pipe extends from the opening to the sewer or septic drain, whereby the drain is rendered in fluid communication with the sump. If no part of the pipe is above the distal rim of the cylindrical wall, rising water within will gravity drain to the sewer or septic system. A one-way valve is provided for preventing raw sewage and sewer gases from backing through the sewer or septic drain and into the sump pit. Finally, a sensor / alarm system is provided for detecting rising water and alerting the homeowner. In a second embodiment, the one-way valve is replaced with a trap. In this embodiment, the trap is of the U-shaped type which maintains a constant pool of water. The standing water occludes the pipe opening and prevents sewer gas from escaping.

Problems solved by technology

A problem still exists, however, if a sump pump fails, or if a rising water table overwhelms the capacity of the pump.

The sump well becomes an entry point for flood water which inundates the basement and causes damage to any finishing or storage therein, not to mention humidity-soaking the whole house.

Bralich, however, does not provide drainage to a sewer system above floor level and does not provide backflow protection for sewer gas.

In addition, Bralich does not have an alarm for alerting the homeowner to a rising level of water.

Because Morris's system is closed with a cap, however, it does not allow viewing of the sump well and pump, which would otherwise make the sump well and pump easier to inspect and service.

In addition, Morris does not provide an alarm for alerting the homeowner in case of rising water.

Furthermore, Morris does not have a means for prevent backflow from the sewer or septic system other than by closing a manual valve.

If the valve is maintained in a closed position, however, the capped cylinder becomes a pressure vessel requiring increased costs for installation, and attendance by a person is required to open the valve to drain the seepage.

In other words, the system is not self-correcting in the extreme.

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